Dimitri Chris: Master of the Foxhounds

Known for exquisite tailoring and minute-attention to detail, the quirky designer of the Montreal-based, self-titled label Dimitri Chris delivered an impeccable F/W ’10 runway show. A collection brimming with tailored tweeds, suits and vests, knee high equestrian boots, page boy hats and a smattering of houndstooth and plaid, the smartly attired models could have –in all reality- walked right off of the catwalk and climbed onto a horse, forest bound. British to the core, Chris succeeded in marrying together the essence of the English hunting culture with modern, wearable clothes.

I was fortunate enough to make it backstage to interview Chris about his latest collection; bearded with dark, fly-away hair, I towered over the designer. Smartly attired in a grey vest, grey pants, and a red and white checkered bowtie, the short-in-stature designer reminded me of a mad scientist; an Albert Einstein of fashion, if you will:

What sets you apart from other menswear designers?
Are there a lot of menswear designers? We have Bustle and Dubuc and Philip Sparks. We all have a different aesthetic. Bustle has their own distinct quirky look and Philip Sparks, while still into the tailoring, has a more laid-back and relaxed look. My background is in tailoring and that plays into the collection. I want to push the envelope There’s room for everyone.

I loved the coats with the built in scarves; I thought it was a brilliant concept!
[Laughs] Thank you! You see, a lot of my friends were bitching and complaining that they are always losing their scarves, having to tuck them into their sleeves. So I said “There you go. You don’t need to worry about it”.

Who is the Dimitri Chris Man?
I’d like to say it’s a young professional. Somebody starting out in his life, in general being social and business and cultural, but obviously it’s hard to want to cater to just a select clientele. That being said, it’s very wearable. The garments are very wearable.

The idea behind ‘Master of the Foxhounds’ was derived from English hunting culture; where did you come up with the concept?
I was inspired by British culture, royalty and their traditions and lifestyle and hunting, which is their leisure sport. The collection is very British.

What do you hope to bring to the table in terms of men’s fashion?
Wearable garments with an emphasis on tailoring.

And what can we expect from you in the future?
To be there. You can expect me to be there.